Lakers star LeBron James has yet another Hollywood deal with NBC in the works
If LeBron James’move to Los Angeles was motivated by increased opportunities in the entertainment business, the business plan appears to be working quite well for the newest Lakers superstar.
Just days after news that SpringHill Entertainment had sold a sitcom script to NBC inspired by Ben Simmons’life, the production company that James runs with business partner Maverick Carter has reportedly reached yet another development deal with NBC for a drama series entitled “Hoops.”
James will executive produce the = drama series along with “Invincible” actress Elizabeth Banks.
What is the show about?
The details, via Variety:
In the one-hour series, after years on the road as both a star player and coach in the WNBA, Stevie Decker jumps at the chance to return to her alma mater to become the first female head coach of a men’s college basketball team. But coming home isn’t easy as her career took a toll on her family and the school she loves is embroiled in a sex scandal involving her mentor, a legendary former coach.
“Hoops” is reportedly the brainchild of Jennifer Cecil, whose writing credits include “Private Practice,” the “90210” reboot and “One Tree Hill.” She most recently worked on ABC’s “Notorious” in 2016.
How involved is LeBron in the entertainment industry?
Like the Simmons-inspired vehicle, “Brotherly Love,” this deal reportedly comes “with a penalty attached,” meaning James and Banks will be paid handsomely even if the show never reaches the air.
SpringHill Entertainment also produces “The Wall” for NBC in addition to projects in the works for Netflix, HBA, Showtime and Starz. They’re also making a “fresh re-imagining” of the 1990s “House Party” movies, and a “Space Jam 2” sequel has long been rumored. James, who acted in Amy Schumer’s “Trainwreck” in 2015, has also been linked to roles in two potential upcoming comedies.
It’s almost like many people anticipated this move to L.A. long before James announced it on July 1.